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How to make a superhero costume

Introduction

Out to save the world

Help your kids feel super this Halloween with a fun and easy superhero costume. This project involves very little sewing and recycles an old t-shirt so you don't have to spend a lot of money either.

Step 1

How to make a superhero costume How to make a superhero costume

Cut the end

Cut the cape fabric into a large rectangle. Save the leftover fabric for the mask and armband. Here is a list of layer sizes for different ages:12 months to 2T =36" x 16"; 3T to 5T =36" x 20"; 6 to 8 years =36" x 24"; 8 to 10 years =36" x 27".

Pro Tip

For the cape, use liquid metal cloth. It can usually be found in the costume fabric section of most reputable fabric stores. Liquid metal fabric doesn't fray, so there's no need to worry about hemming or other more time-consuming sewing techniques. Other easy-to-work fabrics you might consider for your cape include flannel, fleece, knit, and some other costume fabrics. These may not have the same light, airy feel, but they'll do the trick.

Step 2

How to make a superhero costume How to make a superhero costume

Sew the top and pull it tight

Along the longest top edge of your cape, sew a basting stitch. This is essentially a very long straight stitch. Do not reinforce either end of this stitch when sewing. Then, gather the fabric together by gently pulling the bobbin thread on each side until the layer meets and meets in the center.

Step 3

How to make a superhero costume

Measure and cut the tape

Cut the 1-1/2" ribbon. Make it double the length of the gathered end of the cape plus an extra inch.

Stage 4

How to make a superhero costume

Add Velcro

Cut two 1” pieces of Velcro tape (Velcro). It basically has two sides, one with "hooks" (the rough, rough side); and the other side has "loops" (the smooth side). Separate the hooks from the loops on both pieces. Place the hook pieces (rough) on the right side of the folded ribbon, one inch from each end. Attach the Velcro pieces in place through a layer of tape. Sew a square around each piece of Velcro using a normal straight stitch.

Step 5

How to make a superhero costume

Fold and sew the ribbon

Fold the ribbon back together, right sides in; sew around the three outer edges. Leave the bottom long edge raw/open. Turn right.

Step 6

How to make a superhero costume

Match Velcro

You should now have the two Velcro hooks sewn onto your strap, with the bottom of that strap open. Attach the two Velcro pieces to the top of the shirt. Sew the loop pieces in place on the shirt.

Step 7

How to make a superhero costume How to make a superhero costume

Tuck Cape Into Ribbon and Fasten Together

Slide the open end of the ribbon, Velcro side up, into the bottom of the cape. You want the wrong side of the layer (not the shiny side) to be facing up. Slide the gathered edge inside the ribbon. Then pin the gathered top of the cape inside the bottom edge of the tape. Sew in place.

Step 8

How to make a superhero costume

Cool Chest

Embellish the front of the shirt. We simply cut a shape out of felt (you can also use fleece or knit). I then used a needle and thread to hand sew the shape directly onto the shirt.

Pro Tip

You can also use fabric glue if you don't want to hand sew.

Step 9

How to make a superhero costume

Prepare the mask cloth

To make the skin, print out the downloadable skin template (if you haven't already done so). Cut around the mask and cut out the eye holes. Use Coats &Clark Phoomph fabric reinforcement product. Follow the package directions and adhere the liquid hardware cloth to both sides of the Phoomph.

Step 10

How to make a superhero costume How to make a superhero costume

Cut mask and add strap

Use a pen to trace around the mask pattern directly onto the fabric covered Phoomph (Image 1). Use scissors to cut out the shape of the cloth mask. Cut a piece of bungee cord 15 inches long. Tie both ends of the string into the holes on the side of the mask (Image 2).

Step 11

How to make a superhero costume How to make a superhero costume

Make the bracelet

To make the bracelet print the downloadable bracelet template (if you haven't already done so). Next, cut out the pattern piece from your fabric covered Phoomph. Embellish the bracelet if desired with leftover felt fabrics; cut out the shape and sew directly onto your cuff.

Step 12

How to make a superhero costume

Add Velcro

Attach a 3” piece of Velcro. Separate the loop and hook the Velcro pieces, and sew them to opposite ends of your bracelet, one on the right side and one on the bottom wrong side.

Step 13

How to make a superhero costume How to make a superhero costume

Put it all together and put it in style

Put on your cape, slide on the mask and adjust the armband. Now is the time to save the world..